Navy Week Returns to Tampa Bay

TAMPA, Fla. - Tampa Bay Navy Week, includes a jam-packed schedule of parades, concerts, sporting events and a Blue Angels air show in Tampa, Fla.

The first of 20 Navy Weeks across the country throughout 2010, this will be the third time Tampa has welcomed the Navy with open arms.

To mark the beginning of weeklong festivities designed to increase Navy awareness during Tampa Bay Navy Week, the Navy served as grand marshall March 13 at the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Tampa's historic Ybor City.

"I am very proud to return to Tampa and represent the Navy. The hospitality has been outstanding!" said USS Florida (SSGN-728) Command Master Chief Randy Huckaba, a Tampa native, of his experience at Tampa Bay Navy Week.

Some of the special visitors during Tampa Bay Navy Week will feature Sailors from the submarine Florida, the Leap Frogs Navy Parachute Team, Navy Band Southeast and a team of Navy divers.

One of the goals of the Navy Week program is to give the public an up-close look at the men and women of the U.S. Navy serving throughout the world and the jobs they do.

From special tours and concerts on board the historic SS American Victory, a World War II ship docked at Channelside, to cooking demonstrations around the Tampa Bay area by culinary specialists from submarine Florida, Tampa Bay Navy Week promises to offer memorable experiences for Sailors and citizens alike.

Each event throughout the week is designed to increase awareness of the Navy's presence in Tampa Bay, provide opportunities to meet Sailors first hand and provide information to learn about the latest capabilities and opportunities in the U.S. Navy.

In addition to free Navy entertainment and special events scheduled throughout the week, Sailors will visit schools, hospitals and civic organizations to speak about the Navy and show community support. Local Sailors will also trade in their uniforms for jeans and t-shirts, as they take part in a Habitat for Humanity building project.

The week will culminate with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels performing tactical demonstrations, precision flying, and aerobatic maneuvers at the annual MacDill Air Force Base AirFest.